Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the fixtures of the 10th round in the Belgian Pro League championship group will take place on Sunday at the Crystal Arena, where local side Genk will host Anderlecht. I'm backing a bet on goals in this clash, with enticing odds on offer.
Match preview
Thorsten Fink's team collapsed in the championship group, despite looking like the main title contender during the regular season. Five defeats in nine rounds of the final stage is a result that not only dashed their championship hopes but also raises plenty of questions about the team's physical and mental readiness at the decisive stretch. It seems Genk simply couldn't handle the distance, or perhaps burned out after a strong start.
Nevertheless, the "Blue-Whites" will be aiming to end the season on a high note. Their final home game is a great opportunity to redeem themselves in the eyes of their fans. Moreover, Genk have enjoyed a positive record against Anderlecht lately—four wins in their last five meetings.
As for Anderlecht, the appointment of Besnik Hasi as head coach did not prove to be a turning point—the team is finishing the season exactly where they spent most of it, in fourth place. The "Purples" looked stronger than mid-table sides like Antwerp and Gent, but fell short against all three teams at the top, unable to mount a challenge for the medals or the Belgian Cup.
The national cup final, where Anderlecht lost to Club Brugge, was a reflection of the club's current state—plenty of fighting spirit, but lacking in quality. For the visitors, the match in Genk is little more than a formality, one they'll likely approach without much intensity, in a sparing mode. Still, with fatigue and no pressure from the standings, Anderlecht may try to play more freely, but even that doesn't make them favorites.
Probable lineups
- Genk: Van Crombrugge - Kayembe, Smets, Sadick, El Ouahdi - Heynen, Karetsas - Bonsu Baah, Karetsas, Steuckers - Arokodare
- Anderlecht: Coosemans, N'Diaye, Neu, Adryelson, Sardella, Maamar, Dendoncker, Leoni, Hazard, Vasquez, Huerta
Match facts and head-to-head
- Genk have beaten Anderlecht in three matches this season
- The "Over 2.5 goals" bet landed in three out of five meetings
- The "Both teams to score" bet was successful in three out of five matches
Prediction
This match has no tournament intrigue, but the home-field advantage and Genk's desire to make amends for a disappointing championship stage work in the hosts' favor. Anderlecht, meanwhile, look tired and uninspired, especially after their painful cup final defeat. Betting on Genk not to lose and no more than three goals in the match (1X + Under 3.5) seems like a reasonable and balanced choice.
